Department for Transport

Driving: British Nationals Abroad

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will bring forward proposals to ensure that British citizens without internet access who wish to rent cars abroad for periods exceeding 48 hours, or in an emergency, are able to do so in the absence of the paper counterpart to the driving licence.

Andrew Jones: A telephone service is available for drivers who do not have access to the internet. Drivers can give permission for certain information from their record to be given verbally over the telephone to a nominated person or organisation. Drivers will also be able to telephone the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to request a secure access code that will allow them to share information electronically from their driver record with third parties.

Roads: Capital Investment

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to review the spending commitments in the Road Investment Strategy 2015-2020.

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the spending commitments in the Road Investment Strategy 2015-2020.

Andrew Jones: The Road Investment Strategy, published at the time of the 2014 Autumn Statement, set out ambitious plans for improvements to the national road network between 2015 and 2020. The road network is a critical national infrastructure asset that is vital for successful economic growth, supporting jobs and productivity. This is why this Government made a clear commitment in its manifesto to invest £15 billion in roads, and the Prime Minister has made clear that the Government will implement its manifesto in full.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Scotland

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he intends to publish HS2 Ltd's report on options for extending high speed rail services to Scotland.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Advice prepared by HS2 Ltd in conjunction with the Department for Transport, Transport Scotland and the Scotland Office to identify broad options for high speed and upgraded railways to the north of England and Scotland is currently with Ministers for consideration. This advice will be published in due course.

Network Rail

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish the conclusions of the Office of Rail and Road's Enhancement Cost Adjustment Mechanism review of Network Rail's Control Period 5 investment programme.

Claire Perry: The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) reviews Control Period 5 (Rail Investment Strategy) Projects through the enhancements cost adjustment mechanism (ECAM) on a rolling basis when each project has reached a certain level of design maturity and a single option has been selected. The ORR publishes quarterly updates on the ECAM process. These are made publicly available on its website: http://orr.gov.uk/what-and-how-we-regulate/regulation-of-network-rail/how-we-regulate-network-rail/control-period-5-cp5/cp5-delivery-plan.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he will confirm the route of Phase 2 of High Speed 2.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Government intends to announce the way forward on Phase Two later this year.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects to publish the first financial report on High Speed 2's preparatory spending.

Mr Robert Goodwill: HS2 Ltd expect to publish their first financial report detailing expenditure incurred under the High Speed Rail (Preparation) Act 2013 in autumn 2015.

Railways: Privatisation

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on privatising or outsourcing the management of (a) railway stations directly managed by Network Rail and (b) Network Rail's telecommunications systems.

Claire Perry: There are no current plans to outsource (a) any of the stations that Network Rail manages, or (b) management of the company’s telecommunications system. Train operating companies already manage roughly 2,500 stations, the vast majority of the network.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of progress on High Speed 2.

Mr Robert Goodwill: In March, the Department for Transport published ‘HS2: On track’, which summarises the considerable progress made on the project since 2010 and sets out the next steps. HS2 remains on track, both in terms of Parliamentary process and in terms of practical preparations permitted under the High Speed Rail (Preparation) Act. The hybrid Bill for the first phase of HS2 is making good progress through Parliament. Of the 1,960 petitions received, over 500 have been dealt with so far during the Select Committee process, which began in July last year. This is approximately twice as many as were dealt with by the Crossrail Committee in 21 months of sittings. Ground Investigation works have begun at both ends of the Phase One route. These works will inform the design stage of the major civil works due to start in 2017/2018, for which the initial stages of procurement of the enabling works have already commenced. Following the close of the public consultation on the proposed route for Phase Two in January 2014, HS2 Ltd and the Department have been analysing route and station options as reflected in David Higgins’ reports of March and October 2014. The Government intends to announce the way forward on Phase Two later this year. The Government has previously said it will deliver HS2 in the north sooner by preparing a dedicated hybrid Bill to lay during this Parliament. This is with a view to bringing HS2 to Crewe sooner than planned, subject to further analysis and decisions on preferred route. We will also look at the case for accelerating the construction of the route between Leeds and Sheffield, and allowing it to be used by for fast regional train services.

Bus Services: Disability

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he plans to take to encourage the adoption by the bus industry of the winning submission to the Transport Catapult competition for the design of audio-visual systems on buses.

Andrew Jones: The winner of the ‘All Aboard’ technology competition, which challenged students around the country to come up with innovative and cost-effective ideas about how to provide passengers with accessible information during their bus journey, was announced on 13th March 2015. The Transport Systems Catapult have committed to invest £50,000 to develop the winning design into a working prototype and are now working to procure a suitable technology company to undertake this work. When a prototype design has been finalised, we will look to engage with bus industry representatives to determine the most appropriate way to trial the new technology.

Bus Services: Disability

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the status is of his Department's review of the UK derogation from EU law on training in disability awareness for bus and coach drivers; and whether his Department plans to seek to extend that derogation or apply for a new derogation.

Andrew Jones: In March 2014, the Department for Transport reviewed the use of a derogation applied under EU Regulation 181/2011 (concerning bus/coach passenger rights) that exempts bus and coach drivers from undertaking mandatory disability awareness training until March 2018. A range of stakeholder views were sought and a summary of responses was published in January 2015. In addition, departmental officials are currently in discussions with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) about undertaking a research project on the quality and impact of disability equality awareness training currently offered to bus and coach drivers. We will consider all the evidence and, in the meantime, will continue to press the bus industry to ensure that bus and coach drivers are adequately trained to allow them to meet the needs of all passengers.

Buses: Fuels

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will encourage bus operators to pass on savings from the low price of bus fuels in the form of greater investment in the bus network and lower fares.

Andrew Jones: The bus market outside London is deregulated, with the vast majority of services provided on a commercial basis by private sector bus operators. Decisions on the level of fares is a commercial one for individual bus operators. The Department’s own analysis suggests that the 25% reduction in fuel price earlier this year could translate into around a 4.25% reduction overall in bus industry costs. However, most large bus operators, who between them provide the majority of services outside London, have fuel hedging arrangements in place, which mean that, in the short term, lower fuel prices do not translate into lower costs thus limiting their ability to reduce fares.

Bus Services: Finance

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much the Government spent on the Bus Service Operators Grant in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15; and how much it intends to spend in 2015-16.

Andrew Jones: The figures for Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) in England for those three years (rounded to the nearest £m) are as follows:· 2013-14 - £298 million;· 2014-15 - £251 million (estimated);· 2015-16 - £240 million (projected). Since 1 October 2013, the BSOG which was previously paid to bus operators for running bus services under franchise to Transport for London (TfL) in London has been incorporated into the general grant paid to TfL and the Greater London Authority. The figures given above exclude some £47 million paid to TfL/GLA in this way for 2013/14 and some £93 million paid to them for each of 2014/15 and 2015/16. So, the figures given for the three years above are made up of (i) BSOG paid to bus companies and community transport operators for running services outside London, (ii) BSOG devolved to local transport authorities in the five areas which have been designated as Better Bus Areas, and (iii) BSOG for tendered (non-commercially viable) services outside London for which the funding has been devolved to individual local authorities since 1 January 2014.

Bus Services: Disability

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the winner will be announced of the Transport Catapult competition for the design of audio-visual systems on buses.

Andrew Jones: The winner of the ‘All Aboard’ technology competition was announced on 13th March 2015. Further information can be found on the Gov.uk website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nottingham-student-wins-design-competition-to-help-disabled-bus-passengers

Department for Communities and Local Government

Local Government: Tees Valley

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what progress has been made on creating a Tees Valley combined authority; and whether an elected mayor is a pre-condition for any such authority.

James Wharton: The five councils in the Tees Valley have proposed a combined authority and we are now carefully considering the proposals. An elected mayor is not a pre-condition for a combined authority. My rt. hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has been clear that the transfer of major power to a city will only happen to those cities who have a metro mayor.

Listed Buildings: Energy

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will have discussions with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on changing planning guidance on listed buildings to reduce heat loss through windows.

Brandon Lewis: Ministers within the Department for Communities and Local Government regularly meet with colleagues from other Departments to discuss a range of matters.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Middle East: Politics and Government

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has received from the government of Iraq on recent developments in Iraq and Syria; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) visited Iraq from 25 to 26 April, when he met Prime Minister Abadi, President Massoum and other members of the Government of Iraq (GoI). During his visit he discussed the situation in the region, the importance of political reform and reconciliation, the military campaign against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and the need for a comprehensive stabilisation plan for areas liberated from ISIL.Through our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate General in Erbil we remain in regular contact with the GoI, and continue to support PM Abadi and his efforts to ensure a unified response to the current situation.As part of the Global Coalition to Counter-ISIL, we are working with the GoI to defeat ISIL in both Iraq and Syria.

Middle East: Foreign Policy

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the implications for his policies of recent developments in Iraq and Syria; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We continue to support the Government of Iraq (GoI) in its efforts to counter the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In our communications with the GoI we have emphasised the need to do everything possible to prevent civilian casualties. We have also been clear that the military campaign must be supported by meaningful political reconciliation. We therefore welcome Prime Minister Abadi’s ongoing commitment to inclusive governance and ensuring a unified political response to the current situation. The situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. Assad continues to defy the international community through his barbaric actions, including the targeting of civilians by using artillery and barrel bombs, some containing chlorine. A political transition as set out in the Geneva communiqué is more vital than ever. We will be working with the UN Special Envoy and others to help push forward a political process, helping create the right conditions on the ground by supporting the moderate opposition and putting Assad’s regime under pressure.

Yemen: Armed Conflict

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports his Department has received on the military situation in Yemen; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The UK remains in close contact with the Government of Yemen and other international partners regarding the situation in Yemen. I spoke to President Hadi of Yemen on 25 May 2015, with the UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on 26 May, and with the Saudi Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Bilateral Relations Dr Prince Turki on 24 May. We discussed the situation on the ground and I emphasised the importance of moving to a durable political process.The situation on the ground remains unstable and humanitarian needs are critical. The Houthis have continued to use violence and intimidation to achieve their aims. Following the end of a five-day humanitarian pause, Saudi-led airstrikes resumed on 17 May. Ultimately, the solution to the crisis must be a political one and I welcome the UN’s commitment to begin political consultations and its call for participants to engage in good faith and without pre-conditions.

Yemen: Armed Conflict

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has received from the government of Saudi Arabia on recent developments in Yemen; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Both the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), and I are in regular contact with the Government of Saudi Arabia about the situation in Yemen. We have emphasised the importance of ensuring sustained humanitarian access and moving to a durable political solution. We continue to work closely with Saudi Arabia across a range of shared foreign policy priorities and Yemen is a top priority for both countries. We will continue to work with Saudi Arabia and the wider international community to bring an end to the conflict.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Correspondence

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he plans to reply to the letters from Michael Hadfield on receipts and payments between the UK and the rest of the EU.

Mr David Lidington: Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials responded to Mr Hadfield's letter on Friday 29 May 2015.

Mohammed Morsi

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the government of Egypt about the death sentence imposed on former President Mohammed Morsi; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Philip Hammond: The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood) raised our concerns over the sentencing to death of former President Morsi with the Egyptian Ambassador in London on 17 May. Mr Ellwood also issued a statement on 17 May, setting out the Government's deep concern at the sentencing to death of former President Morsi and over 100 others. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have also discussed this case with representatives of the Egyptian government. We have been clear that the Egyptian authorities must apply the rule of law consistently in line with international standards, and protect the political and legal rights of all Egyptians as the basis for the country’s future stability. It is the long-standing policy of the Government to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. We note that there are further stages in the legal process, and will continue to follow this case closely.

Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the government of Saudi Arabia about the death sentence imposed on Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr.

Mr Philip Hammond: We are continuing to monitor this case closely. I am aware of media reports that claim Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr could be executed imminently. However, we understand that an appeal process is underway into Nimr al-Nimr’s conviction and the Government does not plan to make representations to the Government of Saudi Arabia whilst the legal process is continuing.

Burma: Ethnic Groups

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on the situation of the Rohingya; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Philip Hammond: UK officials frequently visit Rakhine State and receive regular reports about the situation of the Rohingya, which remains of grave concern. The Rohingya continue to suffer from severe restrictions on their freedom of movement, on their access to livelihoods, schools, healthcare and places of worship. Burma’s refusal to ensure humanitarian access or recognise citizenship claims of the Rohingya has compounded the denial of the most basic rights. We continue to urge the Burmese authorities to work towards a long-term solution that brings peace and reconciliation and ensures the civil and human rights of all communities within Rakhine State, including full citizenship for the Rohingya. The UK has been concerned by the dramatic rise in the number of people taking boats from the Bay of Bengal to the wider region this year. We were deeply concerned by the discovery of mass graves in Thailand and, more recently, in Malaysia. Tackling this issue requires a coordinated regional response and we welcome the Government of Thailand’s decision to hold the 29 May regional meeting to discuss solutions. It is vital to address the scourge of human trafficking. The desperate living conditions faced by the Rohingya in particular, and their lack of basic rights, are driving many of these people to make the dangerous journey to other countries in the region. We will maintain our own humanitarian commitment in Rakhine State; DFID has provided over £18million in humanitarian support since 2012. We urge Burma, in turn, to address the dire situation of the Rohingya community there.

FIFA: Corruption

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the (a) US and (b) Swiss authorities about allegations of corruption in FIFA.

Mr Philip Hammond: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Iraq: Islamic State

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent requests the UK has received from the Iraqi government for support to combat ISIL.

Mr Philip Hammond: The Government is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Iraqi government and Coalition partners about support to combat ISIL. I will discuss this with Prime Minister Abadi during a meeting of the Global Counter-ISIL Coalition in Paris on 2 June. The UK fully supports the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in the fight against ISIL. The UK is the second biggest contributor to Coalition airstrikes in Iraq, after the USA. At the request of the Iraqi government we have gifted over 50 tonnes of non-lethal support, 40 heavy machine guns and nearly half a million rounds of ammunition to the Kurdish Peshmerga. We have also delivered over 300 tonnes of weapons and ammunition on behalf of other Coalition nations. The UK has trained over 1,000 Peshmerga across our infantry and heavy machine gun courses.

Iraq: Politics and Government

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Iraq.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Since ISIL’s expansion in the summer of 2014, the Government of Iraq (GoI), with the support of the Global Counter-ISIL Coalition, including the UK, has succeeded in halting ISIL’s advance and pushing them out of a quarter of the territory they have captured. However, the security situation in Iraq remains concerning.In central and western Iraq the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), supported by Coalition airstrikes have generally succeeded in containing ISIL advances, and in places like Tikrit, retaken territory. On 17 May, however, ISIL captured the city of Ramadi in Anbar province. While this represents a symbolic and tactical advance for ISIL, we do not judge it to be strategically significant.Some areas of Iraq, such as Mosul, remain under complete ISIL control whilst others like Fallujah and Baiji continue to be heavily contested.In the north, the Kurdish Security Forces (KSF), supported by Coalition airstrikes, have recaptured territory, particularly around the Sinjar area, and continue to make incremental gains. The majority of southern Iraq remains calm.

Afghanistan: Politics and Government

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Afghanistan.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Working for a stable and secure Afghanistan that is willing and able to counter terrorism remains a key objective for our work in Afghanistan. The UK played a leading role in the International Security Assistance Force mission. With NATO support, Afghan security forces now number around 330,000, the strongest in Afghan history. In January 2015 they assumed complete responsibility for the country’s security, a significant achievement and a tangible demonstration of the progress achieved to date. Recent well-publicised attacks have shown insurgent ambition to press for early impact following the announcement on 22 April of the start of their military campaign this year, in which they have declared Afghan Government and international institutions and civilian personnel as legitimate targets. We recognise and are ever mindful of the indiscriminate tragedy that this inflicts. Events have also illustrated the ability and determination of Afghan Defence and Security Forces to absorb pressure and to respond effectively. We expect this capability to broaden and to deepen as NATO’s Resolute Support Mission continues, of which the UK remains a key component. We are aware of reports claiming that Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant/Daesh have gained a foothold in Afghanistan and that they are seeking to consolidate this. Together with Afghan and international counterparts, we are monitoring the situation closely.

Libya: Politics and Government

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Libya.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Ongoing instability and increased violence are a serious threat to Libya’s future. The wider region is threatened by the increasing presence of terrorist organisations and the facilitation of illegal migration. The UK is particularly concerned about the growing threat from extremist groups affiliated with ISIL in Libya. Only a stable and representative Government of National Accord (GNA) can deal with the political and security challenges Libya faces. I discussed this with visiting members of the House of Representatives and Libyan activists during my recent visit to Tunisia.The UK remains fully committed to supporting the work of Special Representative of the Secretary General Leon to find a lasting political and security settlement in Libya. An agreement on a GNA is an essential first step to normalising Libya, and needs to be accompanied by a monitored ceasefire, withdrawal of armed groups from the cities and a comprehensive security plan.

Nigeria: Politics and Government

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Nigeria.

James Duddridge: The security situation in Nigeria remains of strong concern. It is estimated that 20,000 people have been killed, 1.5 million have been displaced and at least 3 million have been affected by the terrorist group Boko Haram. Recent efforts by Nigeria and its neighbours have seen the group pushed back. However, Boko Haram remains a potent threat and retains the ability to conduct attacks. President Buhari has made restoring security and prosperity to north east Nigeria a priority for his government. We look forward to working closely with him on this agenda.

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Adult Education: Finance

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes to the Adult Skills Budget on the number of (a) disadvantaged students able to study further education courses and (b) adult students able to study further education courses.

Nick Boles: We remain committed to ensuring the skills system operates effectively to support adult learners and the needs of learners who are most disadvantaged.   The adult skills system is demand led so individuals get a choice of what and where to study. The freedoms and flexibilities offered by the adult skills budget gives colleges and training providers the ability to offer provision to respond best to the priorities and needs of learners and employers in the local area. The Skills Funding Agency considers the impact on colleges and providers when agreeing allocations.

Carcraft: Closures

Liz McInnes: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if his Department will launch an investigation into the closure of the car dealer Carcraft.

Anna Soubry: On 30 April 2015, Daniel Smith and Joe McLean of Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed as administrators to the companies trading as Carcraft. When a company goes into administration the insolvency practitioners must, within six months of their appointment, report confidentially to the Insolvency Service about the conduct of the directors. Where there is serious public concern, the Insolvency Service will not wait for that report. In this case it has made early contact with the administrators to discuss the conduct of the directors and whether there are any matters giving rise to concern.

Department for International Development

Gaza

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment her Department has made of the humanitarian situation in Gaza; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Desmond Swayne: After the July-August 2014 conflict over 100,000 people were made homeless in Gaza and over 3,300 internally displaced people are still sheltering in UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) collective centres. UK aid is saving lives and providing services but we need to see a more sustainable political solution for Gaza which will address Israel’s legitimate security concerns whilst opening up movement and access and supporting the return of the PA. The UK was one of the biggest donors to the crisis last summer, providing more than £17 million in immediate humanitarian assistance for those caught up in the conflict. The UK subsequently pledged a further £20 million in early recovery assistance at the Gaza Reconstruction Conference in Cairo. We have already disbursed 80% of the pledge and will disburse the remaining this financial year, focussing largely on getting businesses back to work.

Nepal: Earthquakes

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support the Government has provided to Nepal following the earthquakes on 25 April and 12 May 2015.

Mr Desmond Swayne: The UK is providing more than £33 million to the earthquake response in Nepal. This includes £10 million for a new health programme so that children can continue to be immunised, women can deliver babies safely and work can commence on rebuilding up to 1,000 damaged health facilities. This was announced by DFID’s Secretary of State during her visit to Nepal on 19-20 May. Our support has also provided many thousands of needy people and affected communities with access to clean water and essential shelter, and has transported thousands of boxes of food rations and lanterns. Our pre-positioned water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies have also reached thousands of people.

Asia: Abortion

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of sex-selective abortion on the gender balance in China and India; what assessment her Department has made of whether UK-funded equipment is not used to carry out sex-selective abortions in countries which receive UK aid; and on what evidence her Department has made that assessment.

Grant Shapps: The UK Government does not promote or support abortion on the grounds of gender. The practice of sex selection is not caused by the availability of abortion services or technologies but is a consequence of deep rooted discrimination against women, poverty and cultural preference for sons. Our work on girls' education, women's empowerment, skills and jobs aims to increase the ‘value’ of girls and women in society and therefore tackle the pressures and incentives that drive preferences for male children.  The UK has never supported or funded the one child policy and closed its bilateral aid programme to China in March 2011. In India, our partners are strongly committed to implementing India’s 1994 National Pre-Conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Regulation Act, which bans the use of medical technologies for sex selection purposes.

Department for Education

Schools: Standards

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to paragraph 23 of the paper, The Importance of Teaching, published in November 2010, Cm 7980, what steps her Department has taken to establish a new collaboration incentive, which financially rewards schools which effectively support weaker schools and demonstrably improve their performance; what level of incentive was offered to how many schools under that scheme; what her policy is on continuing that policy; and what level of incentive to how many schools she plans to offer over the next five years.

Nick Gibb: Collaboration and partnership working are essential components of the academies and free schools programme. Over 50% of academies are in multi-academy trusts and a Department for Education report last year showed that 87% of academies support other schools. The department has also supported collaboration through the development of system leaders, enabling the best school leaders to drive improvement.   The department has implemented the Teaching Schools programme, with 644 teaching schools as of 21 May 2015. Since 2011, when the Teaching Schools programme began, £100m has been committed to developing the Teaching Schools network. Teaching schools are required to establish alliances of schools with which they work directly to provide school based initial teacher training, school-to-school support, research and development activity, and continuous professional development.   The department has also grown the number of National Leaders of Education (NLEs) from 470 in 2010 to 1040 as of 21 May 2015. NLEs are outstanding leaders who support other schools in challenging circumstances to improve. Each NLE receives a £6,000 annual bursary which covers the costs their school incurs in providing collaborative support to underperforming schools.   The department also introduced a School-to-School Support Fund in September 2014. The School-to-School Support Fund provides grant funding for teaching schools and NLEs to support school improvement by working with underperforming schools in the areas of greatest need through specific time-limited interventions.

Schools: Admissions

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance her Department provides to local education authorities (LEAs) on school choices where parents are applying to local grammar and LEA schools.

Nick Gibb: The Department for Education provides a national framework for school choice through the statutory School Admissions Code and related admissions law. It is for local authorities and other admission authorities (including grammar schools) to set their admission arrangements within the parameters of this framework.   The School Admissions Code requires local authorities to publish a composite prospectus for parents which contains the admission arrangements for each of the state funded schools in their area. Parents can then express a preference for at least three schools when applying for a school place as part of the normal admissions round.   The School Admissions Code is published online at:www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-admissions-code--2

Academies

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) primary free schools, (b) secondary free schools and (c) university technical colleges have been approved in each local authority area in England and Wales since May 2010.

Edward Timpson: The information requested can be found in the attached tables.The figures provided are for England only. Education policy in Wales is devolved to the National Assembly for Wales.



Free schools and UTCs in each local authority
(Excel SpreadSheet, 29.28 KB)

GCSE

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the trends in the number of students who take vocational GCSEs who go on to study at university.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The requested information has been supplied below:   Number of pupils entering higher education having achieved at least one vocational GCSE qualification YearPupils in HE with at least one vocational GCSE by the end of key stage 42011/1228,4092012/1321,655 Source: National Pupil Database, HESA dataset These changes are the result of reforms to performance tables which have removed the perverse incentives for schools to teach qualifications that were easy to achieve and/or had an inflated value in performance measures. This served only to devalue vocational education. Now, the qualifications which can count in performance tables are those that are of demonstrably high quality and promote progression.

GCSE

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many vocational GCSEs were taken in each year since 2007.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The requested information has been provided in the table below. Results of GCSEs in Applied[1] (vocational) subjects of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 YearTotal Entries2006/07147,2642007/08114,5822008/09138,1012009/10113,1802010/1195,1162011/1223,4592012/1312,1092013/14[2][3]7,881  Source: Key Stage 4 attainment data   These changes are the result of reforms to performance tables which have removed the perverse incentives for schools to teach qualifications that were easy to achieve and/or had an inflated value in performance measures. This served only to devalue vocational education. Now, the qualifications which can count in performance tables are those that are of demonstrably high quality and promote progression.  [1] For the years 2008/09 to 2010/11 this includes entries in both single and double award applied GCSEs. All other years include entries for double award applied GCSEs only.[2] Discounting has been applied where pupils have taken the same subject more than once and only one entry is counted in these circumstances. Further information is available from the GCSE statistical first release available at: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/revised-gcse-and-equivalent-results-in-england-2013-to-2014. The first entry policy was introduced in 2013/14; this policy could have affected the total number of entries in 2013/14.[3] Double Award vocational GCSEs are equivalent to 1 GCSE.

Teachers: Training

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what forecast her Department has made of the number of unfilled teacher training routes in (a) mathematics, (b) physics and (c) all combined teacher training routes beginning in September 2015.

Nick Gibb: Figures published by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service on 28 May 2015 show that the Department for Education is on course to exceed its recruitment target for primary trainee teachers. Good progress is also being made in recruiting secondary trainees. The department has increased bursaries and scholarships to up to £25,000 and is paying a £5,000 salary bonus to mathematics, physics and computing trainees on our School Direct salaried scheme. The Prime Minister announced on 11 March 2015 further investment of £67 million over the next five years to recruit an extra 2,500 mathematics and physics trainee teachers and retrain 15,000 existing teachers.

Mathematics: Teachers

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her Department's (a) mathematics teacher recruitment target and (b) recruitment levels of qualified maths teachers were in each year between 2011 and 2015.

Nick Gibb: The Department for Education does not have teacher recruitment targets – individual schools and academy trusts are responsible for recruiting the teachers they need. At the time of the last census; vacancy rates were just 0.2% of the total number of teachers in schools.   The total number of trainee mathematics teachers is published each year in the ‘Initial Teacher Training: Trainee Number Census’ statistical series by the National College for Teaching and Leadership and is published online at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-teacher-training The total number of secondary school teachers teaching mathematics (to year groups 7 to 13) is published each year in the ‘School Workforce in England’ statistical series, published online at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-school-workforce However, there is no information available to show how many newly recruited mathematics teachers are teaching in secondary schools.

Physics: Teachers

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her Department's (a) physics teacher recruitment target and (b) recruitment levels of qualified physics teachers were in each year between 2011 and 2015.

Nick Gibb: The Department for Education does not have teacher recruitment targets – individual schools and academy trusts are responsible for recruiting the teachers they need. At the time of the last census; vacancy rates were just 0.2% of the total number of teachers in schools.   The total number of trainee physics teachers is published each year in the ‘Initial Teacher Training: Trainee Number Census’ statistical series by the National College for Teaching and Leadership, and is published online at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-teacher-training The total number of secondary school teachers teaching physics (to year groups 7 to 13) is published each year in the ‘School Workforce in England’ statistical series published online at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-school-workforce However, there is no information available to show how many newly recruited physics teachers are teaching in secondary schools.

Teachers: Training

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her Department's target is for the number of new trainee teachers to begin in schools in each year between 2015 and 2019.

Nick Gibb: Each year the Department for Education produces the Teacher Supply Model, an estimate of the number of trainee teachers required to meet the needs of the school sector in England. The last estimate produced was for the 2015/16 academic year.  The department has published the Teacher Supply Model for 2015/16 in full. This identifies the inputs and assumptions applied to produce our estimate, including central projections of the overall number of teacher entrants needed up to the 2019/20 academic year and beyond. This information is published online at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-supply-model

Vocational Education

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many BTEC qualifications at each level were taken in each of the last 10 years.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Data relating to the number of awards for BTEC qualifications by level has only been collected since the 2005/06 academic year. Therefore, figures for 2005/06 to 2013/14 inclusive are provided in the table below. BTEC qualification[1] numbers of pupils at the end of Key stage 4[2] in all schools  Number of Awards Year[3],[4]Level 1Level 22005/06-9,8352006/07-37,7982007/08-102,3292008/09-166,2422009/10-259,9212010/11-283,2062011/12[5]13,661463,5252012/1315,949503,5422013/14[6]3,465294,729 Source: Key Stage 4 attainment data  These changes are the result of reforms to performance tables which have removed the perverse incentives for schools to teach qualifications that were easy to achieve and/or had an inflated value in performance measures. This served only to devalue vocational education. Now, the qualifications which can count in performance tables are those that are of demonstrably high quality and promote progression.  [1] Until 2010/11, comprises BTEC First Diploma and BTEC First Certificate. From 2011/12, it comprises BTEC Award, BTEC Certificate and BTEC Diploma.[2] Those in all schools who were at the end of key stage 4 in the relevant academic year.[3] Includes achievements by these pupils in previous academic years.[4] Figures for 2006/07 and 2007/08 are provisional, all other years are revised.[5] From 2011/12 onwards, BTEC and OCR qualifications awarded as part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) are included in their respective BTEC and OCR qualification categories.[6] Figures for 2013/14 are based on the new 2013/14 methodology where Professor Alison Wolf’s recommendations and the first entry policy have been implemented. Only those BTEC qualifications mentioned in the document at the following link are included: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/411159/Archived-KS4_performance_tables_-_inclusion_of_14-16_qualifications_in_2014.pdf. Therefore the results for 2013/14 academic years may not be directly comparable to previous years.

Ministry of Defence

Unmanned Air Vehicles: Strategic Defence and Security Review

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 23 February 2015 to Question 224466, whether the Strategic Defence and Security Review will address the issues identified in Joint Doctrinal Note 2/11, the UK Approach to Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Michael Fallon: Work has begun on the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. The Review will consider the changing international and domestic security environment and assess what defence capabilities will address the threats we face.

Afghanistan: Armed Conflict

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will place in the Library a copy of the post-Afghanistan review carried out by the Permanent Joint Headquarters and the US Navy.

Penny Mordaunt: The report, which has yet to be finalised, is being written by a US research organisation working on behalf of the US Navy, in partnership with the UK's Permanent Joint Headquarters. Its eventual placement in the Library of the House would need to include consideration of any operational sensitivities for the UK or partners, in full consultation with the US Navy.

Malaria: Drugs

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will place in the Library copies of all correspondence between 2010 and 2015 between his Department and Public Health England in relation to use of Lariam or Mefloquine and reports of (a) hallucinations, (b) psychosis and (c) suicidal thoughts in personnel prescribed those medications; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Lancaster: Copies of the documents will be placed in the Library of the House when they are available.

Armed Conflict: Syria

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Syria.

Penny Mordaunt: President Assad retains control of some key areas for the Syrian government but is losing ground to ISIL and a range of armed opposition groups across the country. Assad continues to defy the international community through his barbaric actions, including using artillery and barrel bombs against civilians, some containing chlorine.The UK has been at the forefront of the response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria. A political transition as set out in the Geneva communique is more vital than ever. We will be working with the UN Special Envoy and others to help push forward a political process, helping create the right conditions on the ground by supporting the moderate opposition and putting Assad's regime under pressure.

Armed Forces: Disciplinary Proceedings

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many advertisements have been placed and in which publications to advise armed forces personnel of their right to make a complaint following their illegal punishment following the receipt of a police caution in the last year; what the cost of placing such advertisements has been; how many such complaints have been received to date; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Lancaster: In accordance with the pledge made by my predecessor, the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry), letters have been sent to serving and non-serving personnel at their last known addresses, informing them of this issue, and explaining the options open to them. This information was also shown internally on the Defence Intranet, and externally on the Defence pages of Gov.uk in May 2015. The Department is considering how best to target the message to reach individuals who may not have received it via either of these routes.A total of 22 Service complaints have been received to date. All three Services are assisting serving and non-serving personnel who have submitted requests for further information.

Warships: Wrecks

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to (a) monitor designated and non-designated military wrecks and (b) facilitate the prosecution of those accused of the illegal salvage of such wrecks.

Mark Lancaster: Where we are able to offer legal protection to military wrecks by means of asserting Sovereign Immunity or by designation under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 we will continue to do so. However, given the vast number of Royal Navy wrecks around the world, there are limitations on what can be achieved with regard to protection, but where we have definitive evidence of desecration of these sites, we will take appropriate action.We are also pursuing the wider education of sea-users as a long term measure. Protection can be delivered through information to and education of those who might wish to disturb the wrecks. As an example of how this can be effective, the Royal Malaysian Navy has foiled an attempt to loot historic wrecks after receiving information of suspicious activity from the Pahang Fishermen's Association. In that way, through local engagement with the Malaysian authorities and others, we endeavour to protect such military maritime graves now and in the future.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Food: Waste

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to encourage reductions in food wastage.

Rory Stewart: Through the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), the Government is working with food manufacturers and retailers to meet targets to reduce food waste from households and the grocery supply chain under the Courtauld Commitment. There has been a 15% (1.3 million tonnes) reduction in household food waste since 2007 and signatories reported a reduction of 7.4% in food supply chain waste since 2010. The third phase of the Courtauld Commitment targets a further 1.1 million tonnes of food and packaging waste reduction by the end of this year.The Love Food Hate Waste programme helps UK households to reduce food waste and save money through awareness raising and consumer advice. There is also an agreement with the hospitality sector with targets to prevent and manage food waste in restaurants, pubs and canteens.

Home Office

Drugs: Decriminalisation

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the effects of the decriminalisation of drug use in Portugal on the prevalence of drug use in that country.

Mike Penning: The Portuguese approach to drugs was reviewed within ‘Drugs: International Comparators’ published in October 2014. The report is clear that the successes in Portugal cannot be attributed to decriminalisation alone. Whilst drug use went down and health outcomes improved, there was, at the same time, a significant investment in treatment. This Government has no intention of decriminalising drugs. The UK's approach on drugs remains clear: we must prevent drug use in our communities, help dependent individuals through treatment and wider recovery support, whilst ensuring law enforcement tackles the criminality that is associated with the drugs trade.

Hunting

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many criminal attacks on hunts there have been in each of the last five years.

Mike Penning: The Home Office does not hold the information requested. The Home Office receives data on notifiable offences recorded by the police in England and Wales, however it is not possible to determine the number of offences that were directed at hunts

Driving under Influence: Christmas

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people were charged with drink driving in the Christmas period in each of the last five years.

Mike Penning: The Home Office does not collect details on the number of people charged with drink driving. The Home Office collects data on the number of crimes recorded by the police for all notifiable offences and the police outcome of these crimes. However, drink driving is not a notifiable offence. The Home Office also collects data on the number of screening breath tests carried out by police in England and Wales, and the number of these which were positive or refused, though it is not possible to separately identify the Christmas period in the data collected.

Cash Dispensing: Fraud

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had with banks over measures to reduce fraud at cash point machines.

Mike Penning: There have been no recent discussions between the Home Secretary and banks over measures to reduce fraud at cash point machines.

HM Treasury

Roads: Capital Investment

Richard Burden: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans his Department has to review the spending commitments in the Road Investment Strategy 2015-20.

Greg Hands: The Road Investment Strategy, published at the time of the 2014 Autumn Statement, set out ambitious plans for improvements to the national road network between 2015 and 2020. The road network is a critical national infrastructure asset that is vital for successful economic growth, supporting jobs and productivity. This is why this Government made a clear commitment in its manifesto to invest £15 billion in roads, and the Prime Minister has made clear that the Government will implement its manifesto in full.

Revenue and Customs: Telephone Services

Richard Burden: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the average waiting time was for calls to HM Revenue and Customs telephone service in each year for which figures are available.

Richard Burden: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the efficiency of the telephone service provided by HM Revenue and Customs; and what representations he has received about that service.

Mr David Gauke: Details of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) telephony performance, including average waiting time, is published quarterly on the GOV.UK website:   https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/business-plan-indicators   HMRC has performance targets which are regularly monitored. The department is working very hard to improve its service, including reducing demand and opening new online channels for customers so they do not need to pick up to phone.

Non-domestic Rates

Clive Efford: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to change the amount of money raised from small and medium-sized businesses through business rates; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Gauke: Autumn Statement 2014 reduced the burden of business rates for 575,000 small businesses by doubling the Small Business Rate Relief until April 2016.  Budget 2015 launched a wide-ranging and ambitious review of business rates that will report by the end of 2015. I encourage all interested stakeholders to engage with the review.

Air Passenger Duty

Clive Efford: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to alter the rates of air passenger duty; and if he will make a statement.

Damian Hinds: At Budget 2015, the Government announced that Air Passenger Duty (APD) rates would increase by RPI from 1 April 2016. Additionally, the Government introduced an exemption from APD for children under 12, which will be extended to include children under 16 from 1 March 2016.In February, the Government announced that we will publish a discussion paper exploring options to support regional airports affected by APD devolution by the summer. The discussion paper will consider options to devolve APD within England, vary APD rates by regions within England, and provide aid to regional airports.Since 2010, APD has only risen with inflation, representing an effective price freeze on short-haul rates since 2012.

Tourism: VAT

Clive Efford: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to alter the rate of VAT relating to the tourist industry in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Gauke: The Government currently has no plans to alter the rates of VAT relating to the tourist industry.

Cabinet Office

National Security Council: Meetings

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the minutes and a summary of the most recent meeting of the National Security Council.

Mr Oliver Letwin: The National Security Council is a Cabinet Committee. Information related to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees is not disclosed, as to do so could harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion. We do not comment on specifics relating to the National Security Council or national security issues.

Department of Health

Obesity: Babies and Pregnant Women

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will focus his Department's anti-obesity strategy on pregnant women and babies.

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he plans to take to tackle childhood obesity.

Jane Ellison: Tackling obesity, particularly in children, is one of our major priorities and we know that pregnancy and early years are one of the many influences on children’s weight. Progress has been made in recent years, but we know we have much further to go and we will put forward our plans in due course.

Health

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to reform the Responsibility Deal.

Jane Ellison: Improving public health requires collective action by all – government, businesses and individuals. Under the Public Health Responsibility Deal, 780 organisations committed to actions which are having a significant impact in improving the nation’s health and enabling people to make healthier choices. As the Government develops its priorities, we will expect to continue working in partnership with organisations across all sectors to ensure that we collectively can make the greatest impact on individuals’ health.

In Vitro Fertilisation

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit embryonic gene-editing technologies developed over the last five years.

Jane Ellison: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, as amended, already addresses this technology.

Medical Records: Data Protection

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what data protection measures are in place when sending patient data to a country that does not appear on the European Commission's list of countries recognised as providing adequate protection.

George Freeman: All National Health Service organisations are expected to comply with their existing obligations for data protection. Organisations that consider sending data overseas must follow existing information governance guidance that includes a comprehensive assessment of the risks and mitigations possible. Such risk considerations should be undertaken on a case by case basis by the NHS organisation concerned and may vary according to the data and overseas locations involved. Use of the standard contract clauses provided by the Information Commissioner should also be made, with appropriate data assurance checks implemented.

Drugs: Finance

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policies of plans in Scotland to double the New Medicines Fund; and what his policy is on creating such a fund in England.

George Freeman: It is a matter for the Scottish Government to decide how to use the apportioned payments they receive from the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS).   The Government has no plans to create a New Medicines Fund in England.   The Government established the Cancer Drugs Fund to ensure that cancer patients in England have better access to life-extending and improving drugs not routinely funded by the National Health Service. Between October 2010 and December 2014 the Fund has helped over 67,000 cancer patients.   The Government is implementing all of the commitments in the PPRS on improving access to innovative medicines commensurate with the outcomes they offer patients. In addition, NHS England and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry are pressing ahead with plans to maximise the benefits of the PPRS by improving access to and optimising the use of medicines to improve patient outcomes.   In addition the Accelerated Access Review is looking at a range of proposals for accelerating access to innovative medicines to NHS patients and the potential for securing more value from the NHS research infrastructure in commissioning innovative medicines.

Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, in what ways the rebate from the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme has been spent in England; and if he will make it his policy that any future rebate will be allocated for treatments for (a) cystic fibrosis and (b) other long term conditions.

George Freeman: Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) payments for England all go back into spending on improving patients’ health and care. The Department includes the expected PPRS payments in setting the NHS England allocations in advance of each year.   Decisions on how NHS England medicines budgets are spent are taken by NHS England clinical leadership on the basis of clinical priorities.

Abortion: Gender Selection

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what account he has taken of the research performed by Dubuc and Coleman in formulating a strategy for the assessment of the incidence of sex-selective abortion in England and Wales.

Jane Ellison: The assessment of the evidence of gender abortions will capture a number of approaches, including an update of the Department’s analysis of birth ratios to include births occurring in 2013, and will take into consideration relevant published research, including that by Dubuc and Coleman.

Abortion: Gender Selection

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to meet Jeena International, Karma Nirvana and the Sharan Project and other women's groups to discuss their experience of dealing with UK women who have had sex-selective abortions.

Jane Ellison: All requests for meetings with Ministers are dealt with on a case by case basis giving due consideration to parliamentary business. The Government is clear that sex selective abortions in the United Kingdom are illegal.

Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust: Management

Sir David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent representations he has received on the senior management of Southend Hospital; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Ellison: A search of the Department’s Ministerial correspondence database identified one written representation from my hon. Friend, received between 1 November 2014 and 28 May 2015 about senior management at Southend Hospital.

South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust: Management

Sir David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent representations he has received on the senior management of South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Ellison: The Department has received no recent representations on the senior management of South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

King George Hospital Redbridge: Accident and Emergency Departments

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effect of the closure of accident and emergency services at King George Hospital on older people.

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the reasons are for the closure of accident and emergency services at King George Hospital.

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department will meet people affected by the closure of accident and emergency services at King George Hospital.

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when the decision was taken to close accident and emergency services at King George Hospital.

Jane Ellison: This Government has always been clear that the reconfiguration of health services is a matter for the local National Health Service that should be engaging with local people. All service change should be led by clinicians and be in the best interests of patients, not driven from the top down.   In February 2009 the local primary care trusts published The case for change in north east London which set out clear reasons why changes to local health services were needed.   Decisions to change the configuration of emergency services were made in 2010 by the local NHS following public consultation and were endorsed by the Secretary of State for Health on the advice of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel.   However, the proposals for change were first set out in 2009 under the then Government. Detailed reasons for the proposals can be found in the Health for North East London Case for Change and in the Pre-Consultation Business Case both published in November 2009.   The local NHS has always been clear that changes to the accident and emergency service at King George Hospital will not be made until it is safe to do so. Plans have been put on hold and cannot take place whilst Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust remains in special measures.